Dolphins WR Chris Bell had ACL surgery in December but appears close to returning. HC Jeff Hafley said Bell is "not very far away," per Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post, and seemed to put the timeline closer to weeks than months. Bell already completed the Dolphins conditioning test and will be running at the start of camp.
What They're Saying: Weeks, Not Months
Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post: “Rookie WR Chris Bell is not very far away, according to Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley, when I asked if he’s looking more at months than weeks. Bell did the Dolphins conditioning test and will be running around at the start of camp. They want to be careful but they have optimism”
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Thin Room Opens Door If Healthy
Bell was touted as a potential first-round draft selection before his ACL tear. The Louisville product fell to the third round and was the second WR the Dolphins drafted (after second-round pick Caleb Douglas).
The Dolphins' WR room is thin enough to give Bell a path to playing time if he's healthy. The group includes veterans Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and Jalen Tolbert, along with Douglas, Bell, and sixth-round pick Kevin Coleman Jr.
Bell could crack the lineup if healthy, but he's still not worth betting on in redraft. Dynasty is where the appeal lies.
Dynasty Impact: Stock Up if Healthy
Bell has more appeal in dynasty. We highlighted him as a shifty WR who excels after the catch and has the size to break tackles.
If Bell gets healthy earlier than expected, that positive injury news would certainly help his dynasty stock.
We will continue to monitor Bell’s health and training camp status.
